Closing device for a container

ABSTRACT

A device for repeatedly opening and closure of a container is described. The device comprises a base member ( 1, 20 ) and a top member ( 2, 21 ), where a central bore ( 9, 31 ) is provided in the base member ( 1, 20 ), and where the top member is adapted to be fastened to the basis member ( 1, 20 ) and close the central bore ( 9, 31 ). The top member ( 2, 21 ) is fastened to the base member ( 1, 20 ) by means of retainers ( 11, 27 ) that are forced into interaction with the basic member ( 1, 29 ) by means of a press member ( 19, 24 ).

BACKGROUND

A multitude of goods are sold in containers of different kinds where the container can be opened and closed using a screw cap. The opening and closing of screw caps usually requires two hands. Moreover, screw caps may be difficult to open if they have been screwed on tight or for persons who are physically disabled.

Vast amounts of beverages, both carbonated and non-carbonated, are sold in bottles with screw caps. For car drivers it is dangerous to use both hands to open a bottle. For other users it may also be advantageous to be able to open and close a bottle without having to use both hands.

Opening and closing devices, which can easily be opened and closed repeatedly, for bottles with a bead around the upper end of the neck are known from U.S. Pat. No. 2,903,148, U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,688 and DE 3009568. A common feature of these opening and closing devices is that they comprise a flexible internal sealing member that is slidably mounted in a cavity in a rigid outer cap. The cavity in the outer cap is a substantially conical bore. When the outer cap is pressed down onto the neck of a bottle, the inner sealing member is pressed into engagement with the neck of the bottle and the bead around the top thereof, so that the bottle is temporarily closed. When the bottle is to be opened, the outer cap is pulled up, the sealing member disengages from the neck of the bottle and the device can be removed.

However, the previously known opening and closing devices of the prior art as mentioned above relate to bottles having a bead uppermost on the neck of the bottle.

An opening and closing device for bottles with a threaded neck is known from PCT/NO01/00449, later WO 02/38461. This device comprises a plurality of retainers that are pressed into engagement with a bottom part by means of an outer part that lies around the retainers and is movable along the longitudinal axis of the bottle. However, the solution is difficult and expensive to produce, and it protrudes from the neck of a bottle more than a traditional screw cap. This could cause problems when bottles on which this device has been fitted are to be placed and transported in the crates for bottles that exist today.

Thus, there is a need for an improved opening and closing device for containers such as bottles, cans, medicine phials and the like, wherein the container can be opened and closed in a simple way without the user having to use both hands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a closing device is provided for the repeated opening and closing of a container, comprising a base member and a top member,

-   wherein there is an opening in the base member, wherein the base     member is adapted to be secured to a container opening on the     container or is a part of the container opening, and the top member     is adapted to be locked to the base member and to close the opening,     wherein a ring of retainers adapted to be inserted into the opening     is provided on the top member, -   wherein an axially extending flange or edge adapted to engage with     projections on the retainers is provided in the opening, -   and wherein a press member adapted to press the retainers out     against the base member and into engagement with the edge or flange     is provided in the top member.

It is preferable that the press member should be approximately axially movable between a position in which it presses the retainers into engagement with the edge or flange and a position in which it does not press the retainers into engagement with the edge or flange.

It is also preferable that the retainers are elastic and retract from engagement with the edge or flange when they are not pressed by the press member.

Preferably, the press member is an elastic body that is fastened to a central portion of the top member so that the elastic body is moved into a position in which it does not press on the retainers when the central portion is pressed down.

According to a preferred embodiment, the central portion is elastically mounted in the top member in such manner that the central portion is drawn up and draws the elastic body with it when pressure on the central portion ceases.

It is preferable that the container should be a bottle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be described below with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section through a first embodiment of the present opening and closing device in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section through the opening and closing device shown in FIG. 1 in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section through a second embodiment of the present opening and closing device in a closed position;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section through the opening and closed device shown in FIG. 3 in an open position;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section through the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 3 ready to be opened;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an elastic body from the embodiment according to FIG. 3; and

FIG. 7 is a section though a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a section through a first preferred embodiment of the present device in a closed and open position respectively. The illustrated device comprises a base member 1, a top member 2 and a closing member 3.

The base member 1 is designed to replace a standard screw cap and comprises a cylindrical wall 4 and a top plate 5. The inner surface of the cylindrical wall is equipped with internal threads 6 adapted to the threads on the neck of the bottle. An annular seal 7 which rests against the top plate 5 ensures sealing between the base member 4 and the non-illustrated top of the neck of the bottle.

The top member 2 and the closing member 3 are fitted together so that they form one unit. The top member is preferably connected to the base member 1 by an arm 13. The arm 13 is preferably fastened to the base member 1 and can be moulded in one piece therewith. The arm preferably has a trapezoidal cross-section and runs in the top member 2 in a non-illustrated groove having a trapezoidal cross-section that runs across the top member. The length of the arm 13 can be adjusted by means of a manipulator button 14. The manipulator button 14 may optionally be adapted for engagement with grooves in the top member so that it can be locked in one or more positions.

The closing member 3 is arranged to be axially movable on a core portion 10 of the top member 2. The core portion 10 runs in an axial bore in the closing member 3. The central bore in the closing member 3 is surrounded by a ring of retainers 11 which project down from an annular supporting member 15 away from the top member 2. An annular seal 12 is provided on the supporting member 15 to seal between the top of the base member 1 and the supporting member 15 when the device is closed.

FIG. 2 shows the same embodiment as that shown in FIG. 1 in an open position, wherein the closing member has been placed against the base member 1. In this figure the ring of retainers 11 from the closing member has been placed against a central bore 9 in the base member. The retainers 11 are made of an elastic material and their lower ends are drawn in towards the longitudinal axis of the device by the material.

The ring of retainers 11 has a total diameter that allows this ring to be inserted into the central bore 9. To close the present device, the ring of retainers 11 is passed into the central bore 9. When the closing member 3 has been placed against the base member 1 so that the supporting member 15 rests against the base member 1, the top member 2 is pressed down against the closing member. The core portion 10 is then pressed down into the ring of retainers and presses the retainers out from the longitudinal axis of the device. The retainers 11 then engage below the bore 9, preferably with the bottom edge of a cylindrical flange 8 that projects axially downwards from the bore 9, as shown in FIG. 2. The device is now closed, but can be opened again by pulling the top member 2 up, thereby pulling the core portion out of the ring of retainers so that the retainers disengage from the base member 1. The closing member is then pulled up with the top member, and the bottle is open.

The reason it is preferable that a flange 8 should be arranged in connection with the central bore 9 is that the retainers 11 have limited elasticity. When a flange is provided below the bore, it is easier to press the retainers 11 into engagement with the base member.

Non-illustrated pins which slide between the retainers 11 are preferably arranged on the core portion 10. The non-illustrated pins prevent the closing member 3 from falling off the top member and ensure that the closing member is taken out of the base member together with the top member.

As can be seen from the figures, the core portion 10 is slightly conical, with its smallest diameter at the bottom. This ensures that the core portion 10 fits snugly against the closing member when the device is closed. It is also preferable that there should be a small flange on the upper side of the bore 9 on the base member for abutment against the seal 12. However, this small flange is not strictly speaking necessary as the seal 12 may be designed for direct abutment against the top of the base member.

The external diameter of the flange 8 is adapted to the internal diameter of the neck of a bottle, so that the flange 8 projects down into the neck when the device is screwed onto a bottle.

FIGS. 3 to 6 show a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 shows a detail of the same. This second preferred embodiment comprises a base member 20 and a top member 21.

The top member 21 comprises a main part 19, a central portion 22 and retainers 27, 28. The main part 19 is designed to rest against the top of the container or against the top of the base member 20. The specific design of the main part 19 may therefore have a different appearance and shape depending upon the area of usage and the container or base member with which it is to be used. The main part 19 of the device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is annular and has a lower part 32 that projects downwards and is adapted to surround the top of the base member 20.

A plurality of retainers 27, 28 are arranged in a ring on the side of the main part that is to rest against the base member. The ring of retainers 27, 28 is adapted to be inserted into the opening 31 in the base member that is to be closed. The top member 21 also comprises a central portion 22 that is fastened to an elastic intermediate member 23. An elastic body 24 is fastened to the central portion 22. When the central portion 22 is pressed, the elastic body can be shifted from a position in which it can push the retainers 27, 28 out from a central line through the device, and a position in which it is disengaged from the retainers.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a longitudinal section through the retainers 27, 28 which are elongate and have a projection 28 at the lower end that is adapted to engage with a edge or flange 25 on the inside of the base member 20.

When the device is to be closed, the top member 21 is put on the base member in that the retainers 27 are inserted into the opening 31 in the base member. During the closing and when the device is closed, the retainers are pressed out against the sides of the base member by means of an elastic body 24. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention in the form of a bottle cap, in a position in which the cap is closed. The retainers 27 are then pressed out against the base member 20 by the elastic body 24.

When the device is to be opened, the central portion 22 is pressed down. This causes the elastic body 24 to be pressed down below the retainers so that the elastic body no longer presses against the retainers 27. FIG. 5 shows the device when the elastic body 24 is pressed down below the retainers 27, thereby allowing the projections to disengage from the edge or flange 25 so that the top member 21 can be pulled up and out of the base member, and the device is open.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, the opening 31 is slightly conical with the smallest opening at the top so that the retainers rest against the edge of the opening at the top and are thus pressed out of engagement with the edge or flange 25. When the top member has been taken out of the base member, the central portion 22 that is mounted in the elastic intermediate member 23 will be drawn up and will draw the elastic body with it. The elastic body 24 will then in turn pull up the inside of the ring of retainers and press the retainers outwards.

When the top member is replaced on the base member, the elastic body will be compressed so that the ring of retainers can be put into the top member, and will press the retainers out against the edge of the opening 31 and into engagement with the edge or flange 25 so as to close the device.

The retainers 27 and the elastic body 24 press in different directions when the device is closed. When the outward pressure from the elastic body ceases in that it is pressed down below the retainers, the lowermost part of the retainers, and thus the projections, 28 will swing out of engagement with the edge or flange 25. The retainers 27 are preferably swung out of engagement with the edge or flange 25 because they are elastic.

When it is required or desirable that the present device should be almost air or water-tight, it must be sealed with one or more seals between the base member and the top member. This is shown in the figures by a seal 26. However, there may be a question of optimising the location of the seal. It is also possible that it may be advantageous for the seal to be fastened to the top member.

The main part 19, the central portion 22, the intermediate member 23 and the retainers 27, 28 are preferably made in one piece.

The base member is designed to be fastened to the container on which the device is to be used. For example, on the inside of the base member there may be threads, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or there may be other means on the base member for fastening to the container. The base member does not need to be a separate part. If the container opening is made so that but can also be a part of the container. 

1. A closing device for repeatedly opening and closing a container, comprising: a base member configured with a central opening associated with an axially extending flange or edge, the base member adapted for fastening to a container opening on the container; and a top member configured to couple with the base member so as to close the central opening of the base member, the top member having a plurality of retainers adapted for insertion into the central opening, and a press member adapted to press the retainers outward against the base member and into engagement with the flange or edge, thereby closing the container.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the press member is approximately axially movable between a position in which it presses the retainers into engagement with the edge or flange and a position in which it does not press the retainers into engagement with the edge or the flange.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the retainers are elastic and retract from engagement with the edge or flange when they are not pressed by the press member.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the press member is an elastic body that is fastened to a central portion of the top member, and is configured so that the elastic body is shifted to a position in which it does not press the retainers when the central portion is pressed down.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein the central portion is elastically mounted in the top member such that the central portion is drawn up and draws with it the elastic body when pressure on the central portion ceases.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the container is a bottle.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the base member is adapted for threading onto the container, and further includes an annular seal for sealing between the base member and the container.
 8. The device of claim 1 further comprising an annular seal adapted to prevent leakage where the base member couples to the top member.
 9. A closing device for repeatedly opening and closing a container, comprising: a base member configured with a central opening associated with an axially extending flange or edge, the base member integral to a container opening on the container; and a top member configured to couple with the base member so as to close the central opening of the base member, the top member having a plurality of retainers adapted for insertion into the central opening, and a press member adapted to press the retainers outward against the base member and into engagement with the flange or edge, thereby closing the container.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein the press member is approximately axially movable between a position in which it presses the retainers into engagement with the edge or flange and a position in which it does not press the retainers into engagement with the edge or the flange.
 11. The device of claim 9 wherein the retainers are elastic and retract from engagement with the edge or flange when they are not pressed by the press member.
 12. The device of claim 9 wherein the press member is an elastic body that is fastened to a central portion of the top member, and is configured so that the elastic body is shifted to a position in which it does not press the retainers when the central portion is pressed down.
 13. The device of claim 12 wherein the central portion is elastically mounted in the top member such that the central portion is drawn up and draws with it the elastic body when pressure on the central portion ceases.
 14. The device of claim 9 wherein the container is a bottle.
 15. The device of claim 9 further comprising an annular seal adapted to prevent leakage where the base member couples to the top member.
 16. A device for opening and closing a container, comprising: a base member configured with a central opening that is associated with an opening of the container, the central opening having a flange or edge; a plurality of retainers adapted for insertion into the central opening; and a press member adapted to press the retainers outward against the base member and into engagement with the flange or edge, thereby closing the container.
 17. The device of claim 16 wherein the press member is movable between a closed position in which it presses the retainers into engagement with the edge or flange, and an open position in which it does not press the retainers into engagement with the edge or the flange.
 18. The device of claim 16 wherein the retainers retract from engagement with the edge or flange when they are not pressed by the press member, thereby enabling the container to be opened.
 19. The device of claim 16 wherein the press member is an elastic body that is fastened to a central portion of a top member, and is configured so that the elastic body is shifted to a position in which it does not press the retainers when the central portion is pressed down, thereby enabling the container to be opened.
 20. The device of claim 19 wherein the central portion is elastically mounted in the top member such that the central portion is drawn up and draws with it the elastic body when pressure on the central portion ceases. 